New Year's Day fire in DC claims at least 5 lives

Published: Thursday, January 1, 2009 at 11:29 a.m.

Last Modified: Thursday, January 1, 2009 at 11:29 a.m.

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Authorities say three adults and two children have died in an early morning house fire in northeast Washington.

D.C. fire department spokesman Alan Etter says at least nine people were inside the home in the 1000 block of Jackson Street when the fire broke out early Thursday. About 120 firefighters put out the blaze.

Etter says three people died at the scene, while two others died at a hospital.

One child is in critical condition. A 15-year-old boy, a woman and man also went to area hospitals, but their injuries were not life-threatening.

Etter says it appears the fire started in the basement and spread through the house. It's unclear what caused of the fire.

<p>WASHINGTON (AP) -- Authorities say three adults and two children have died in an early morning house fire in northeast Washington.</p><p>D.C. fire department spokesman Alan Etter says at least nine people were inside the home in the 1000 block of Jackson Street when the fire broke out early Thursday. About 120 firefighters put out the blaze.</p><p>Etter says three people died at the scene, while two others died at a hospital.</p><p>One child is in critical condition. A 15-year-old boy, a woman and man also went to area hospitals, but their injuries were not life-threatening.</p><p>Etter says it appears the fire started in the basement and spread through the house. It's unclear what caused of the fire.</p>